About Us
Our History
For the past 20 years, Federal Valley Resource Center has been essential to the Stewart, Ohio community and its surrounding areas. The long and rich history of the buildings being a dedicated space for learning adds even more meaning and value to the center. In 1897, the two-room brick schoolhouse with a bell tower was built for the Stewart school district. Over the next century, more buildings were added and the complex continued to serve as a public school. In 1997, the school ceased operations. At this time, school personnel and community members recognized there was a great need for a community space. In 1999, Federal Valley Resource Center was organized. In the following year, the senior center and computer lab were established in the main building. FVRC bought the school complex in 2012 and since then, it has grown into a full-service community center that hosts programs and events every day of the week. In the 2000s, FVRC became a 501(c)(3) non-profit.
Internships
We offer summer internship opportunities for local teenagers. Interns work with Program Director Therese Lackey to learn about events and help with planning, scheduling, and advertising. Our interns are funded by Athens-Meigs ESC Project RISE.
Anyone interested in applying can contact Amy Robinson at amy.robinson@athensmeigs.com.
Membership
Anyone who donates $10 or more becomes a member of the Federal Valley Resource Center. Memberships must be renewed every June. Donations can be made in person at the Resource Center, by mail, or through PayPal.
All members are eligible to vote for the FVRC board members at the annual meeting which is the last Wednesday of June.
Rome-Canaan School Alumni
The Rome-Canaan Alumni Group is helping to restore the historic school building in which the Federal Valley Resource Center resides. So far, they have reinstalled the Rome-Canaan letters on the outside of the building, replaced buckled floorboards, hung a door in the Music Room, made more curtains, organized books on shelves, painted, and replaced ceiling tiles. Follow along with their progress on our Facebook page!
If you would like to help out with the restoration, feel free to join us any Tuesday/Thursday from 10 AM – 3 PM!
Download the file below to explore the history of Rome Township Schools, including the Rome-Canaan school building which is now the home of FVRC.
Support Federal Valley Resource Center
Welcome to Federal Valley Resource Center!
Federal Valley Resource Center (FVRC) is dedicated to the revitalization of Appalachia Ohio, preserving our heritage for generations to come. Located in the restored campus of the historic Rome-Canaan School in Stewart, we provide vital services to our community, including food distribution, a low-cost thrift store, and mobile health clinics; as well as arts and music programs that allow the creative spirit to thrive.
Located in the heart of one of the most underserved regions in the nation, FVRC is an approachable campus with deep roots in the community. Our holistic programming and services offer hope for uplifting, long lasting, and sustainable change. FVRC welcomes and encourages new members and partnerships in building a stronger, healthier, and more vibrant Appalachia Ohio.
Donate Today
Your donation can make a real difference in the lives of those we serve. With your help, we can continue to provide vital services and support to those in need. Every little bit helps, so please consider making a donation today.